Kolkata: A major disaster was averted at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport on Friday morning when an Agartala bound IndiGo aircraft was struck by lightning during a spell of severe weather. The flight, carrying 141 passengers and six crew members, was parked at an aerobridge when the incident occurred. Fortunately, all passengers and crew on board escaped unharmed, though the sudden strike caused a temporary disruption in the aircraft operations and sent a ripple of anxiety through the terminal.
The incident took place around 9:30 AM while IndiGo flight 6E6068, an aircraft with registration number VT IPW, was stationed at aerobridge 56L. The flight was originally scheduled to depart at 9:20 AM but was delayed due to the inclement weather. Kolkata and its adjoining districts had been experiencing heavy downpours accompanied by fierce thunderstorms, which prompted the Airport Operations Control Center to issue an advance severe weather alert for the entire area.
The high voltage bolt directly hit the aircraft, impacting its electrical system and cutting off the internal power supply instantly. According to airport sources, two ground staff members working near the plane were mildly affected by the residual electrical charge. They were quickly shifted to a nearby medical facility for a checkup and were later discharged after doctors confirmed they had suffered no major injuries.
As a safety protocol, airport authorities and airline staff evacuated all 141 passengers from the affected plane. IndiGo engineering teams immediately grounded the aircraft to conduct a thorough technical inspection of the electronic components and structural integrity. To minimize inconvenience to the flyers, the airline arranged an alternative aircraft, which finally took off for Agartala at 12:50 PM, bringing immense relief to the stranded families.
The atmospheric event highlights the persistent challenges faced by aviation operations during the monsoon season in eastern India. While the incident caused structural panic and flight delays, the presence of robust grounding systems in modern aircraft ensured that a massive tragedy was successfully avoided. Meanwhile, continuous rains have left several low lying areas around Kolkata severely waterlogged, slowing down city traffic alongside the brief airport disruption.